Munchausen syndrome
Munchausen Syndrome
Munchausen Syndrome (/ˈmʌn.tʃaʊ.zən/ or /ˈmʊn.tʃaʊ.zən/), also known as factitious disorder imposed on self, is a type of mental disorder in which a person repeatedly and deliberately acts as if they have a physical or mental illness when they are not really sick.
Etymology
The term "Munchausen Syndrome" is named after Baron Munchausen, an 18th-century German nobleman known for his tall tales. The term was first used in medical literature by British psychiatrist Richard Asher in 1951.
Symptoms
People with Munchausen Syndrome deliberately produce or exaggerate symptoms in several ways. They might lie about or fake symptoms, hurt themselves to bring on symptoms, or alter diagnostic tests.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Munchausen Syndrome can be challenging because of the dishonesty that is associated with it. Doctors must rule out any possible physical and mental illnesses before a diagnosis of Munchausen can be considered.
Treatment
Treatment for Munchausen Syndrome often involves psychotherapy and behavior counseling. However, people with Munchausen Syndrome often refuse treatment or lack compliance.
Related Terms
- Factitious disorder: A broad category of mental disorders that includes Munchausen Syndrome.
- Munchausen Syndrome by proxy: A disorder in which a person fakes or induces illness in someone under their care.
- Somatoform disorder: A mental disorder characterized by physical symptoms that cannot be traced back to any physical cause.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Munchausen syndrome
- Wikipedia's article - Munchausen syndrome
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